A judge has ruled that Boise, Idaho-based St. Luke's Health System can proceed with plans to acquire a local physician group despite an antitrust lawsuit filed by two nearby competing hospitals, according to an Idaho Statesman report.

Saint Alphonsus Health System and Treasure Valley Hospital, both in Boise, sued St. Luke's, claiming its pending acquisition of Saltzer Medical Group in Nampa, Idaho, would give the health system control of more than two-thirds of primary care physicians in the area.

Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill said St. Luke's can continue with the acquisition because the deal will not irreparably harm St. Luke's competitors before a full trial takes place this summer, according to the report. Judge Winmill also put Saint Alphonsus' case against St. Luke's on a fast track to trial.

The health system expects to close the deal to acquire Saltzer today, according to the report.